English Writing Exercises for A1 – A description

English Writing Exercises for A1

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Preparation

1. Read the task and the model text. Which paragraph in the text (1, 2 or 3) tells you about
…

a   the size of the rooms in the apartment?

b   what they sometimes do in the evening?
c   where the apartment is?
d   the other buildings near the apartment?
e   how many rooms there are in the apartment?
A website for students has invited its readers to send in a description of their home. Write a
description of your home for the website. In addition to the description, include information
about your home’s location and about going out in the area.
1   I live in a fairly small apartment with my parents and my younger brother. The apartment is in
a large block just outside the town. There are two other blocks, a supermarket and a cinema in
the same street. There aren’t any other shops in the area, although it’s very easy to get a bus into
town.
2   The apartment only has two bedrooms, so I have to share a room with my brother. There are
two bathrooms, a kitchen and a living room. The kitchen is not very large, but there’s a table. I
usually do my homework in the kitchen because it’s quieter than the living room.
3   We often go to the cinema in the evening, because it’s very near our home. It’s also pretty
cheap. We don’t eat in restaurants very often, but we sometimes have a special meal when it’s
somebody’s birthday. There aren’t any restaurants nearby, so we have to get a bus into town.
Answer
2. Rewrite each pair of sentences as a single sentence. Include the conjunction in the
brackets.
1   The house is modern. It’s very comfortable. (although)
     Although the house is modern, it’s very comfortable.
2   We were tired. We went to bed early. (because)
      ………………………………………………

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3   We stayed at home. It was a cold evening. (so)
      ………………………………………………
4   The cinema is expensive. Tickets for children are cheaper. (although)
      ………………………………………………
5   The café closed. It was not very popular. (because)
      ………………………………………………
Answer
Writing Guide
Writing Strategy
We often use modifiers like very or fairly before adjectives when we are writing a description.
Modifiers make the description sound more natural.
The apartment is very / fairly modern.
3. Read the Writing Strategy. Then complete the sentences using a modifier and an
adjective from the list below. More than one answer is possible.
Modifiers:       extremely      fairly      not very      pretty       really      very
Adjectives:       busy      expensive      large      modern       noisy      popular
1   There’s an ……………………… ……………………… French restaurant in the next street.
2   Our house is in a ……………………… ……………………… part of town with lots of
shops.
3   There’s a café opposite our house and it’s ……………………… ……………………… with
teenagers.
4   All three bedrooms are ……………………… ………………………
5   The streets are ……………………… ……………………… during the day, but quiet at
night.
6   There’s a TV and a hi-fi in the living room, but they aren’t ………………………
………………………
Answer
4. Add the sentences (1-6) in exercise 3 to the paragraph plan below. Write the numbers in
the boxes. Then add two ideas of your own for each paragraph.
Paragraph 1: location of the house
Sentences ◻ and ◻ from exercise 3.

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My ideas: ………………………………………………………
Paragraph 2: inside the house
Sentences ◻ and ◻ from exercise 3.
My ideas: ………………………………………………………
Paragraph 3: going out near the house
Sentences ◻ and ◻ from exercise 3.
My ideas: ………………………………………………………
Answer
5. Write a description following your plan from exercise 4. Invent more details if necessary.
Extra exercises
Strategy
When you write a description, the sentences should not be too short or too long. Each one should
have two or three pieces of information. Remember you can join two ideas with conjunctions
such as and, but, so  or because.
1. Read the Strategy. Then use a conjunction to rewrite the two sentences as one.
1   It isn’t in the city centre. It’s quiet and peaceful
     ………………………………………..
2   I’m not lonely. My friends often visit me.
     ………………………………………..
3   It’s a large flat. It’s on the tenth floor.
     ………………………………………..
4   It’s got a lot of windows. The rooms are very bright.
     ………………………………………..
Answer
2. Write a description of your ideal home. Include information about:
–  the location.
–  the rooms.
–  your room.

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English Writing Exercises for A1 – An informal letter
English Writing Exercises for A1
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Preparation

1. Complete the key phrases with the words below.

know that … ?
thing, …
what!
if you / we could …
about (+ -ing form)?
Replying sooner.
wrote to you.
tell you that … / about …?
we / you could …
news!
reply sooner.
could …
don’t you / we …?
guess what (happened …)
A   Apologising
1   Sorry, it’s ages since I ……………………………………..
2   Sorry I didn’t ……………………………………..
3   Apologies for not ……………………………………..
B   Giving news
4   Listen, did I ……………………………………..
5   Guess ……………………………………..
6   You’ll never ……………………………………..

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7   Good news! / Bad ……………………………………..
8   By the way, did you ……………………………………..
9   Oh, and another ……………………………………..
C   Making suggestions
10   How ……………………………………..
11   Maybe you / we ……………………………………..
12   Why ……………………………………..
13   It would be great ……………………………………..
14   If you like, ……………………………………..
Answer
2. Read the letter. Where do we write these things? Write the correct numbers (1-3).
Extra information (…..)      Date (…..)      Writer’s address (…..)
                                                                           (1)
                                                                           (2)
Dear Bradley,
Thanks for your letter. Apologies for not replying sooner. I’m very busy at the moment with
revision for my exams. I have to study every evening for two or three hours!
Listen, did I tell you that I’m going to see Plymouth play next week? Would you like to come
along? The match is on Saturday at 3 p.m. at the stadium in Plymouth. The team are playing
really well at the moment and I think that they will win. Tickets are only £8. I’ll get one for you
if you like. Gemma and Ross are going too, so it will be fun. It would be great if you could
come.
That’s all for now.
Love, Alice
(3)
Answer
Writing Guide
Strategy
Spend a few minutes planning and making notes before you start writing your letter.
3. Read the Writing Strategy. Then read the task below and make notes.

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Write a letter to a friend. Include the following points:
–  Apologise for not writing sooner.
–  Describe a sports event that you are going to watch.
–  Invite your friend and tell him / her how much the tickets cost.
–  Say who else is going to the event.
1   Opening phrases
     ……………………………………………..
     ……………………………………………..
2   What is the sporting event?
     (which sport? teams? where? when?)
     ……………………………………………..
     ……………………………………………..
     ……………………………………………..
3   Phrases to make a suggestion
     ……………………………………………..
     ……………………………………………..
4   How much are the tickets?
     ……………………………………………..
     ……………………………………………..
5   Who else is going?
     ……………………………………………..
     ……………………………………………..
Answer
4. Write your letter. Lay out the letter correctly and include phrases from exercise 1.

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English Writing Exercises for A1 – A narrative
English Writing Exercises for A1
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Preparation

1. Complete the time expressions with the words below.

ago       at       day       end       few      last       moments      next       some
a   a …………………… weeks ago
b   one ……………………
c   …………………… time last year
d   …………………… weekend
e   the …………………… day
f   a few …………………… later
g   …………………… that moment
h   a few months ……………………
i    in the ……………………
Answer
2. Read the task and the text below. Underline five time expressions from exercise 1 in the
story.
Write a story about a time when you were in a difficult situation and your phone (or another
electronic device) helped you.
A bite for lunch    by Logan
A few months ago, I was on a camping holiday with my friend, Jack. One day, we went for a
walk in some woods. We stopped to have lunch and sat down in some long grass. At that
moment, Jack jumped up.
‘Ow! My leg!’ he said. He showed me his leg. There was a large red mark on the skin and it was
very painful.
‘Was it a snake?’ I asked.
‘I don’t know. I didn’t see anything,’ he replied.

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Fortunately, my mum is a doctor. We took a photo of Jack’s leg on my phone and sent it to her.
A few moments later, she called. ‘Don’t worry,’ she said. ‘It isn’t a snake bite. It’s probably an
insect.’
‘So is it an emergency?’ I asked.
‘No, it isn’t,’ she replied. ‘You don’t have to go to hospital.’
And she was right: the next day, Jack’s leg was fine.
Answer
3. Explain in your own words how an electronic device helped Logan and Jack.
……………………………………………..
……………………………………………..
……………………………………………..
Answer
4. Form adverbs from these adjectives. Then add them to the sentences below.
amazing      hard      polite     safe       unfortunate
1   They worked ……………………… and finished quickly.
2   It was a bad flight, but we arrived ……………………… on the island.
3   ………………………, I got 100% in my maths test.
4   She smiled and asked ……………………… for her keys.
5   ………………………, we lost the match.
Answer
Writing Strategy
Try to include some direct speech when you write a narrative.
Put quotation marks around the words that the person speaks. Put a comma, question mark or
exclamation mark before the closing quotation marks.
‘Who are you?’ I asked. ‘I’m Joe,’ he said.
5. Read the Writing Strategy. Then add the missing punctuation to these sentences.
1   ‘How long is the film I asked.
2   Lucy smiled. I don’t know she replied.
3   ‘Who are you she asked. And why are you here

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4   ‘Help me he shouted. I can’t swim!
5   Don’t worry said Ben. The water isn’t very deep.
Answer
Writing Guide

6. Plan your own story using the task in exercise 2. Answer the questions with your own
ideas.

1   Where were you? When? Who were you with?

      …………………………………….
2   What was the problem or difficult situation?
      …………………………………….
3   What kind of electronic device helped you?
      …………………………………….
4   How did you use the device to solve the problem?
      …………………………………….
5   What happened in the end?
      …………………………………….
Answer
7. Write a story. Use your notes from exercise 6.
Extra exercises
Strategy
When you write a narrative, you need to set the scene at the beginning. Say where you were,
when you were there, and who you were with. At the end, you need to write a sentence to finish
the narrative. Say how the story ended and if it ended well or not.
1. Read the Strategy. Then look at sentences 1-4. Do they come from the beginning or the
end of a narrative? Write B or E.
1   A few years ago, I went to the park with my brother to play football.
2   After that, I always went a different way to school.
3   One day last summer, I was at the beach with some friends.

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4   I never saw the dog again.
Answer
2. Write a story about a time when you had a frightening experience with an animal.
Include the information below.
–  Where you were, when you were there, and who you were with.
–  What the animal did.
–  What you did when you saw the animal.
–  How it all ended.

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English Writing Exercises for A1 – A postcard
English Writing Exercises for A1
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Preparation

1. Read the postcard. Tick the activities that are mentioned. Circle the activity you can see
in the photo.

1   abseil
2   bungee-jump
3   climb
4   cycle
5   explore
6   go caving
7   kayak
8   kite-surf
9   go riding
10   swim
11   surf
12   trek
13   watch wildlife
14   windsurf
Hi Caitlin,
This is my second day in Wales. We arrived last Saturday. The journey by coach from London
was very long! We’re staying at a campsite near a lake in Snowdonia National Park. It’s very
beautiful here and the weather is fantastic – warm and sunny.
Yesterday we trekked up a mountain and then climbed up a cliff. The we abseiled down the cliff!
It was really fun. Today we explored the countryside near the lake, and then cycled to a town
near here.
Tomorrow we’re kayaking on the lake, and maybe we’re going caving too. I can’t wait!

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Say hello to Jimmy. Wish you were here!
Bye for now!
Jo
Answer
Writing Strategy
When you write a postcard:
1   Use the present continuous to say where you are staying.
2   Use the past simple to describe activities that you did. Use past time expressions where
appropriate.
3   Use the present continuous for future arrangements that you have made.
2. Read the Writing Strategy. Then, in the postcard in exercise 1:
1   underline all the examples of the present continuous.
2   circle all the examples of the past simple.
Answer
3. Complete the phrases with the words below.
day       days       hello       here      love       soon
thinking        time       weather
1   I’m having a great ……………………….. in (Italy).
2   This is my third ……………………….. in (India).
3   The ……………………….. is (fabulous / OK / terrible).
4   We’ve only got two / three / four ……………………….. to go.
5   Wish you were ………………………..!
6   ……………………….. of you!
7   Say ……………………….. to (David).
8   Give my ……………………….. to (your brother).
9   See you ………………………..
Answer
Writing Guide

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Imagine you are on an adventure holiday in your country. Plan a postcard. Include the following
information:
–   where you are staying
–  the weather
–  activities you did
–  activities you are planning
4. Read the task above. Make notes for your postcard. Include activities from exercise 1,
phrases from exercise 3 and the tenses mentioned in the Writing Strategy.
Where?
……………………………………………….
……………………………………………….
The weather?
……………………………………………….
……………………………………………….
Activities (past):
……………………………………………….
……………………………………………….
Activities (future):
……………………………………………….
……………………………………………….
Answer
5. Now write your postcard using your notes from exercise 4.

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English Writing Exercises for A1 – An article
English Writing Exercises for A1
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Preparation

1. Read the text about Northwick. Match each paragraph (1-3) with one of the topics
below.

eating out        entertainment       getting around      history

places of interest       places to stay        shopping
Paragraph 1 topic: ……………………………………..
Paragraph 2 topic: ……………………………………..
Paragraph 3 topic: ……………………………………..
Answer
Northwick
1   Northwick is a very interesting town. the streets are very narrow. Every Saturday, there’s a
market in the square – a tradition that is about 500 years old! And near the town, Northwick Hall
is the old home of Lord Northwick, a friend of Queen Victoria.
2   One of the best things about Northwick is the public transport. There are lots of trams and
buses, and tickets are cheap. Also, there are no cars in the centre, so it’s nice to walk or cycle
there.
3   There are two hotels: The Residence and The Eastgate. Both are comfortable, but the rooms at
The Residence are larger. There is also a youth hostel. The youth hostel is very cheap, but you
have to share a room with other people.
2. In the model text above, find the name of this building near Northwick.
     ……………………………………….

Answer
Writing Strategy
Write in paragraphs of two or more sentences. Give each paragraph its own topic and introduce
the topic in the first sentence. Plan your paragraphs before you begin writing.
3. Read the Writing Strategy. Then answer questions 1 and 2.

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1   Which paragraph (1-3) in the model text does not begin with a sentence to introduce the
topic?
      Paragraph   ……..
2   Which is the best sentence to introduce that paragraph: a, b or c?
a   I think The Residence is the best hotel in Northwick.
b   Northwick is very popular for a number of reasons.
c   For people who need somewhere to stay, Northwick offers a wide choice.
Answer
Writing Guide

4. Look at the paragraph plan below for an article about a town called Southport. Read the
notes and write the topic for each paragraph. Use topics from exercise 1.

Paragraph 1 topic: ……………………………………..

–  small town (20,000 people) but lost of restaurants
–  pubs – good food at good prices
–  ……………………………………………….
Paragraph 2 topic: ……………………………………..
–  famous for art shops – but expensive!
–  large shopping centre outside town
–  ……………………………………………….
Paragraph 3 topic: ……………………………………..
–  zoo outside town – small but interesting
–  two pubs have live music – local bands only
–  ……………………………………………….
Answer
5. Add sentences a-c to the paragraph plan in exercise 4.
a   small shops in town centre
b   cinema – cheaper tickets on Thursdays
c   great fish and chip shop – cheap!

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Answer
6. Write an article about Southport using the plan from exercise 4, including the extra
sentences from exercise 5.
Extra exercises
Strategy
When we join two clauses with and we can sometimes omit some of the words.
The waiters are friendly and the waiters are  helpful.
The drinks  are cheap and the snacks are cheap.
1. Read the Strategy. Cross out the words we can omit from the sentences.
1   The restaurant serves lunch and the restaurant serves dinner.
2   There’s chicken on the menu and there’s lamb on the menu.
3   Their uniforms are smart and their uniforms are comfortable.
Answer
2. Write an article for a student magazine describing a restaurant in your town. Include
information about:
–  the location.
–  the restaurant.
–  the food.
–  the service.

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English Writing Exercises for A1 – An invitation
English Writing Exercises for A1
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Preparation

1. Match 1-7 with a-g to make key phrases for invitations.

1   I’m having a party

2   I’m
3   Would you like
4   Can you please
5   Put it
6   I hope
7   Hope you
a   in your diary!
b   you can come. Let me know!
c   planning (a party).
d   can make it.
e   to celebrate (my birthday).
f   to join us?
g   bring (some CDs)?
Answer
2. Complete the invitations with key phrases from exercise 1.
To: [email protected]
Hi Lisa,
1…………………………… It’s on Saturday 11 April from 7 o’clock. I’m inviting lots of
friends and my cousins from London too.
2……………………………? It should be fun. I don’t have much good music
so 3……………………………? Or can you bring your MP3 player? I’ve got some speakers.
Don’t forget the date: 11 April – 4……………………………!

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Love, George
To: [email protected]
Hi Marcus,
5…………………………… to celebrate the end of the school year. I’m inviting lots of people
from our year at school. We’re going to the lake and we’re having a BBQ. Please bring some
food – maybe some burgers and sausages for the BBQ – and some lemonade or
cola. 6…………………………… – you’ve got my mobile number.
Love, Alice
Answer
Writing Strategy
When you have finished writing, check your work carefully for mistakes. Read once for
grammar, once for choice of vocabulary and once for spelling.
3. Read the Writing Strategy. Then find and underline one mistake in each sentence below.
Write G for a grammar mistake, V for a vocabulary mistake and S for a spelling mistake.
2   The party should be funny! V
3   Can you pleese bring some food? S
4   I inviting all my friends. G
5   I’m having a berthday party. S
6   Don’t remember to let me know if you can come. V
Answer
4. Rewrite the sentences in exercise 3 correctly.
1   How …………………………………………………
2   …………………………………………………………
3   …………………………………………………………
4   …………………………………………………………
5   …………………………………………………………
6   …………………………………………………………
Answer
Writing Guide

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5. Plan an invitation for one of the events below. Make notes.

barbecue       birthday party       end-of-exams party

fancy dress party       New Year’s Eve party      street party
1   What is the event? Why are you holding it?
      …………………………………………………….
      …………………………………………………….
      …………………………………………………….
2   When and where is the event?
      …………………………………………………….
      …………………………………………………….
      …………………………………………………….
3   What should the person do or bring?
      …………………………………………………….
      …………………………………………………….
      …………………………………………………….
Answer
6. Write the invitation using your notes from exercise 5.

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English Writing Exercises for A2 – An application letter
English Writing Exercises for A2
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Preparation

1. Put elements 1-6 in the correct places (A-F) in the letter.

1   the address the letter is going to

2   the writer’s name
3   the writer’s address
4   the date
5   the writer’s signature
6   the person the letter is going to
[A] ……..
[B] ……..
[C] ……..
[D] ……..
Dear Sir or Madam,
Application for the post of receptionist
I noticed the advertisement for a receptionist on your website and 1………… the post.
In the autumn I am going to study French and Spanish at university. 2………… a job where my
languages will be useful.
3………… working in a hotel. Last summer 4………… a waiter in a hotel restaurant.
Furthermore, I believe I possess the personal qualities necessary for the post. I am friendly and
reliable. 5………… with guests in French and Spanish.
I am enclosing my CV and a reference from a teacher. 6………… start work on 1 July.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
[E] ……..

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[F] ……..
Answer
2. Complete gaps 1-6 in the letter with these phrases.
a   I am looking for
b   I am also able to communicate
c   I have some experience of
d   I am writing to apply of
e   I will be able to
f   I worked as
Answer
3. Complete the summary of the letter.
The writer is applying for the job of 1……………………… . He saw the
advert 2……………………… . He thinks that his 3……………………… will be useful for the
job. He has experience of working as a 4……………………… . He thinks he
is 5……………………… and 6……………………… . He is sending
his 7……………………… and a reference with the letter and can start work
on 8………………………
Answer
Writing Guide
Writing Strategy
When you write a formal letter:
–  Start with: Dear (Mrs Whilte), if you know the name of the person, or Dear Sir or Madam, if
you do not.
–  You can include a subject line at the start, similar to the subject line of an email.
–  Write in paragraphs. One-sentence paragraphs are fine for opening or closing an application
letter.
–  Do not use colloquial language or short form (I’m, there’s, etc.)
–  Finish with Yours sincerely, if you used the person’s name at the start, or Yours faithfully, if
you did not.
4. Read the Writing Strategy above and the job advertisement below. Write a letter
applying for the job. Follow the paragraph plan below.

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
Friendly and hard-working sales assistant required for busy music shop. July and August only.
9.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. six days a week. Apply enclosing your CV.
Paragraph plan
A   what the job is and how you found out about it
B   why you are interested in the job
C   why you are the right person for the job
D   what you are sending with the letter and when you can start work
E   what you would like to happen next
Answer
5. Read the advertisement and write your application. Include the points below.
–  how you found out about the job.
–  your current situation
–  why you would be suitable
–  a request for further information
Do you like sport? Are you interested in working with children? We are looking for teenagers to
help run sports and games for children during the summer holidays. Enthusiasm, a sense of fun
and the ability to work well in a team are all important.
Please send you application by email to [email protected].

22
English Writing Exercises for A2 – An email
English Writing Exercises for A2
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Preparation
Writing Strategy
Try to use a variety of phrases to move your narrative forwards. Choose ones which show that
the next event happened immediately afterwards or some time later.
1. Read the Writing Strategy. Then complete the sequencing phrases and match the
headings below with groups A and B.
Immediately after         Some time later
A   ……………………………………………………………
     1   s__ __ __ __ __ __y
     2   at t__ __ __  m__ __ __ __ __
     3   just t__ __ __
     4   a few m__m__ __ __ __ l__ __ __ __
B   …………………………………………………………….
     5   shortly a __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
     6   a s__ __ __ __ while l__ __ __ __
     7   before l__ __ __
     8   after a w__ __ __ __
     9   soon a__ __ __ __
     10   s__ __ __
Answer
2. Read the task and the model text. Underline three sequencing phrases in the email.
Imagine you’ve just visited your French penfriend in Paris. Write an email to your English friend
in which you:
–  describe your penfriend’s house.
–  describe a crime you saw taking place in Paris.
–  say how you and your friend reacted to the crime.

23
–  ask for some information.
To: [email protected]
Dear Holly,
Hope you’re well. I stayed with my penfriend Cécile in Paris last week. She lives in a beautiful
flat near the Canal Saint-Martin. It’s a really trendy part of town. At weekends, lots of young
people sit by the river, have picnics and play the guitar.
During my stay with Cécilie, we saw a mugging in the centre of town, near the Eiffel Tower. A
man grabbed a woman’s handbag and ran off with it. Straight away, her boyfriend chased after
him, but the street was very crowded. Soon, he gave up.
We both felt quite shocked at first, but the woman didn’t seem too upset. After a while, we
stopped worrying about it and the rest of the holiday was really enjoyable.
Really looking forward to visiting you next week. Are we going camping? What do I need to
bring?
Best wishes,
Keira
Answer
3. Read the writing task. Then make brief notes following the structure in the table below.
Imagine you’ve just spent three days in New York with the family. Write an email to your
English friend in which you:
–  give a short description of the hotel you stayed at.
–  describe a crime you saw taking place.
–  say whether the crime changed how you feel about the city, and why.
–  ask for some information.

What is your hotel like? (large  / small, friendly  / unfriendly, etc. 

 

What crime did you see? (mugging / shoplifting / robbery, etc.)

Where were you and what happened? 
 

Did you feelings about New York change? (safe / dangerous, friendly  / unfriendly, etc.) 

24
  

What information do you need? 

 

Answer
Writing Guide

4. Write an email using your notes from exercise 3. Remember to include and develop all
four points in the task.

Answer

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English Writing Exercises for A2 – A formal letter
English Writing Exercises for A2

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Preparation
1 Read the task and the letter. What is the writer’s main reason for complaining? Choose a, b or
c.
The writer thinks the decision will:

a cost young people more money.

b give the wrong message to vandals.

c have a negative effect on the environment.

Your local council has decided to stop a free bike hire scheme in your town centre. Write a letter
of complaint about this decision.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to complain about the decision to stop the free bike hire scheme in our town. This
scheme has been very popular, especially among young people, and I cannot understand why the
council wants to stop it.

I object to the decision mainly because the bike hire scheme encourages people to cycle
1……………………… going by car or bus. 2……………………… cycling is good for the
environment and good for people’s health, we want as many people as possible to do it.

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I understand that here have been some problems with vandalism. However, I do not think a small
number of vandals should be able to change the council’s policy. Surely it is possible to install
security cameras, 3……………………… the bikes are not damaged so often.

In conclusion, I believe the bike hire scheme benefits the environment and the residents, and
should continue.

Your faithfully,

Penny Wentworth

Answer
Writing Strategy

Make sure you use a variety of different structures in your writing. You can form complex
sentences by joining two clauses together with a conjunction (although, because, if, or, etc.). Use
different conjunctions depending on the meaning of the clauses they introduce.

2. Read the Writing Strategy. Then complete the formal letter in exercise 1 with some of the
conjunctions below.
although if or rather than since so unless

Answer
3. Complete the phrases for summing up using the words below. Underline the phrase that the
writer uses in the letter in exercise 1.
all balance conclusion opinion reasons

1 All in …………………………., I believe …

2 On …………………………., I think …

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3 Overall, … in my ………………………….

4 In …………………………., …

5 For these …………………………., I strongly believe that …

Answer
4. Read the task below. Then think about the issue and make notes.
Your local council has decided to allow buses into the town centre, which is currently pedestrian
only. Write a letter of complaint about this decision.

Introduction: …………………………………………………..

Main reason to object: …………………………………………………..

One argument from the opposing view: …………………………………………………..

Why you do not accept that argument: …………………………………………………..

Conclusion: …………………………………………………..

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Answer
Writing Guide
5. Use your notes to write a formal letter of complaint.
Extra exercises

Strategy

When writing an article that gives opinions about an issue, it is a good idea to give some
examples to illustrate your point(s).

1. Read the Strategy. Underline the phrases used to introduce examples in the sentences below.
1 It’s important to keep up to date with news events. For example, I always check out the
important events online.

2 Using technology can be quite difficult for older people. My grandmother, for instance, often
has problems using the tablet we bought her for her birthday.

3 Children need to learn about important environmental problems like global warming and
climate change when they are at primary school.

4 We can do lots of things to help prevent burglaries, such as putting in alarms and locking all
our windows.

Answer
2. Read the exam task and write your article.
An English student magazine has started a writing competition. The topic is ‘New gadgets are
making us lazier and lazier’. In order to take part in the competition, you need to write an article
arguing your point of view. In your article:

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– Express your opinion on the statement.

– Support your opinion with arguments.

– State counter arguments.

– Summarise the main points.

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English Writing Exercises for A2 – An opinion essay
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Preparation

1. Read the task and the essay. Are the sentences true (T) or false (F)?

1   Sarah wants a sound system because she hasn’t got anything for listening to music.
2   Her brother loves football.
3   She’d give money to an organisation that helps homeless people.
4   She’d spend most of the money.
If you won €1 million in the lottery, what would you do with it? Write an essay and include your
ideas. Give reasons for your choices.
If I won €1 million, there are a lot of things I would like to do with the money. It would be nice
to buy myself something, but it would also be good to help others.
First of all, I would buy myself a docking station with fantastic speakers. Although I have got an
MP3 player and some speakers, they are not very good.
Secondly, I would buy a new car for my mum. Her car is really old. I would buy my brother a
Liverpool kit and a scarf. He is a really big Liverpool fan!
Thirdly, there are a lot of homeless people in my city. I would donate money to the local hostel.
If I gave them €5,000, they could buy a lot of meals for homeless people.
Finally, I would save at least half of the money. In my opinion, it would be silly to spend it all
now. What is more, if I invested the money, it would grow, and I would have more to spend in
the future.
To sum up, I would buy something nice for myself and other members of my family, support
local charities, and also save some money for the future.
Answer
Writing Strategy
In your writing, avoid starting too many sentences with the same words. Remember that you can:
–  use a variety of phrases for introducing opinions (It seems to me …, In my opinion …, etc.)
and for making additional points (Moreover …, Furthermore …,  etc.)
–  start conditional sentences with the if clause or the main clause.
–  use concession clauses (although … / even though …) at the beginning or end of a sentence.

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2. Read the Writing Strategy. Then underline the following in the essay:
1   one concession clause (starting with Even though, although, etc.)
2   three second conditional sentences (with an if clause and a main clause).
3   one phrase for introducing an opinion.
4   four phrases for listing four points.
5   one phrase for introducing an additional point.
Answer
3. Read the task in exercise 1 again. Make notes for your answer.
Introduction: ……………………………………………….
 
First idea: ……………………………………………………
Reasons: …………………………………………………….
 
Second idea: ………………………………………………
Reasons: ……………………………………………………
 
Third idea: …………………………………………………
Reasons: …………………………………………………..
 
Fourth idea: ……………………………………………..
Reasons: ………………………………………………….
 
Conclusion: ……………………………………………..
Answer
Writing Guide

4. Use your notes from exercise 3 to write an essay. Include an introduction and a
conclusion.

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Answer
Extra exercises
Strategy
When writing an essay you need to make sure you structure your work carefully and divide it
into paragraphs. Guide the reader through your points by starting your paragraphs with words
such as, First of all, Secondly, and Finally.
1. Read the Strategy. Then read the exam task in exercise 2 and the model answer below.
Complete the table using the information in the model answer.

Most important improvement:  

Reason:  

Result:  

Second improvement:  

Reason:  

Result:  

Third improvement:  

Reason:  

Result:  

My town is very historic and we get a lot of visitors. There are several things I would improve to
attract even more tourists. Here are three of the most important.
First of all, I would improve the parking. In my opinion, this is the most important thing because
the town is always full of cars. If there was a car park on the edge of town, tourists could leave
their cars there and get a bus into the centre. It would be easier for them and they could enjoy
less crowded streets.
Secondly, I would cut the entrance price to museums and art galleries. The tickets can be very
expensive, especially for families. If prices were cheaper, more tourists would visit these
attractions.
Finally, I would arrange some interesting things for children to do in the park. If there were more
activities for children, more families would come to the town.

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To conclude, I would improve parking, reduce prices and provide things for children to do. All
these things would attract more tourists to our town.
Answer
2. Write your essay.
Your town or a town near you is a tourist destination. What improvements would you make to
attract even more tourists? Write an essay and include three ideas. Give reasons for your choices
and say what effect the improvements would have on tourist numbers.
Include these points:
–  say what the most important improvement would be
–  choose two more improvements to make
–  explain how these things would affect tourists.

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English Writing Exercises for A2 – A holiday blog
English Writing Exercises for A2
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Preparation

1. Complete the collocations with the verbs below.

buy       eat      go       go      hire      lie      play       visit
1   …………………….. for a walk / for a bike ride / on a boat trip
2   …………………….. souvenirs
3   …………………….. a castle / a mosque / a museum
4   …………………….. a car / a kayak / a bike
5   …………………….. table tennis / beach volleyball
6   …………………….. abseiling / mountain biking / surfing / shopping / kayaking
7   …………………….. on a beach
8   …………………….. out
Answer
2. Read the blog post. Find two more activities you can add to 1-8 in exercise 1.
7.35 pm    @Sam2020
Having a great time on our cycling tour of Provence in the South of France. We arrived on
Saturday after a long journey on the train from London. We’ve cycled about 150 km since
Saturday morning and I’m exhausted! Danny is tired too, but he’s fitter than I am. The
countryside is beautiful, but there are lots of hills!! The weather has been warm and sunny –
maybe a little too hot for me. We’ve stayed at a different place every night so far. Two nights
ago we stayed at a farm, and last night we stayed in a small hotel. Staying in a castle tonight,
which is amazing! Tomorrow, we’re visiting a lake. It’s quite a long way from here, in the
mountains. We’ll stay there all afternoon and go swimming. Looking forward to it! I’ll post
again in two days.
Answer
Writing Strategy
In informal style (e.g. in emails, blogs and postcards) we can omit sentence subjects / and we.
Must go now!       Wish you were here!

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With the present continuous, we can also omit the auxiliaries am and are.
Having a great time in Italy!
However, only do this once or twice in a text. Do not omit every instance of / and we.
3. Read the Writing Strategy. Then find these sentences in the blog post. What word or
words did the writer omit from the start?
1   …………………….. having a great time on our cycling tour …
2   …………………….. staying in a castle tonight …
3   …………………….. looking forward to it!
Answer
4. Read the sentences below. Cross out the words which could be omitted to make them
more informal.
1   I wish I could stay here longer!
2   I’m taking lots of photos to show you.
3   I’ll see you soon!
Answer
5. Read the task. The prepare to write your blog post by inventing answers to questions 1-5
below.
You are on holiday with a friend, touring around a country. Write a blog entry with information
about:
–  where you are touring and how you are travelling
–  the weather
–  some places you have stayed
–  something you plan to do in the next few days.
1   Where are you touring?
     ………………………………………………..
     ………………………………………………..
2   How are you travelling?
     ………………………………………………..
     ………………………………………………..
3   What is the weather like?

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     ………………………………………………..
     ………………………………………………..
4   Where have you stayed?
     ………………………………………………..
     ………………………………………………..
5   What are your plans?
     ………………………………………………..
     ………………………………………………..
Answer
Writing Guide

6. Write your blog post using your notes from exercise 5.

Answer

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English Writing Exercises for A2 – An article
English Writing Exercises for A2
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Preparation

1. Complete the zero conditional sentences with the correct form of the verbs in brackets.

1   If you ……………………… (burn) coal, it ……………………… (give) off greenhouse

gases.
2   A rainbow often ……………………… (appear) if the sun ……………………… (come) out
when it’s raining.
3   If an earthquake ……………………… (happen) under the ocean, it sometimes
……………………… (cause) a tsunami.
4   If a hurricane ……………………… (form) over the Indian Ocean, they
……………………… (call) it a typhoon.
5   If you ……………………… (eat) ice, it ……………………… (make) your body cold.
6   Floods ……………………… (happen) if it ……………………… (rain) a lot more than
usual for a long time.
Answer
Writing Strategy
When you are expressing your opinions and the opinions of others, give your text a clear
structure. For example:
–  In one paragraph, give your opinion with two or three arguments that support it.
–  In another paragraphs, give the opposing view with one or two arguments supporting it. You
can then say why you disagree with the opposing view (a counter-argument)
2. Read the Writing Strategy. Then read the task below and the model text. Decide where
the second paragraph should begin: A, B or C.

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The second paragraph should begin at ……..
‘Young people are doing more to prevent global warming than older people.’ Do you
agree?
I do not believe that this is true. Adults make the most important decisions about global
warming, not young people. For example, governments have to decide between fossil fuels and
renewable energy. [A] Furthermore, adults decide how ‘green’ their lifestyle at home should be:
Do they buy a big or small car? Do they live in a big or small house? And so on. [B] Having said
that, young people are often better at remembering to recycle plastic bottles and other containers.
What is more, children walk and cycle more often than adults and this causes less pollution. [C]
However, they probably walk and cycle more because they are too young to drive, not because
they care about the environment! So all in all, I do not think young people are doing more than
older people.
Answer
3. Add two phrases below to each group (A-D). Then tick the phrases that are in the model
text.
As I see it, …         Having said that, …         However, …
In my opinion, …          Moreover, …         Nevertheless, …
On the other hand, …         To be honest, …        What is more, …
A   Expressing an opinion
      I think / I don’t think that … ◻
      …………………………………………………. ◻
      …………………………………………………. ◻
B   Presenting an opposing opinion
     There are people who believe that … ◻
      …………………………………………………. ◻
      …………………………………………………. ◻
C   Presenting a counter-argument
     In spite of this, …  ◻
      …………………………………………………. ◻
      …………………………………………………. ◻
D   Making an additional point
      Furthermore, … ◻

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      …………………………………………………. ◻
      …………………………………………………. ◻
Answer
Writing Guide

4. Read the task and make a plan.

‘Individuals can do more to stop global warming than governments.’ Do you agree?
Paragraph 1 (my opinion)
–  Argument 1: ……………………………………………
–  Argument 2: ……………………………………………
Paragraph 2 (opposing view)
–  Argument 1: ……………………………………………
–  Argument 2: ……………………………………………
–  Counter-argument: ……………………………………………
Answer
5. Write an article like the one in exercise 2. Use your notes from exercise 4 and include
phrases from exercise 3.

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